Sulphur emitted by ships to reduce from 3.5% to 0.5% starting January 1-Shippers Authority

The Ghana Shippers Authority in collaboration with the Ghana Maritime  Authority has educated stakeholders in  the Ashanti Region on the effects of sulphur emitted from ships into the atmosphere.

At the seminar held at the Miklin Hotel, it was revealed that 100,000 vessels move on the ocean everyday with 3.8 billion barrels of Sulphur – containing oil emitted into the atmosphere causing some 570,000 deaths.

The CEO of the Shippers Authority; Ms. Benonita Bismarck emphasized that  the current 3.5% sulphur content in the fuel of the ship is expected to reduce to 0.5% with the introduction of scrubbers to clean the emission.

She stated that IMO 2020 cleaner fuel will used by shipping companies starting 1st January, 2020 and explained that it will help  address human health issues, environmental problems and reduce sulphur content. She affirmed that any shipping company who will continue to  use 3.5%  sulphur content by the stated date will be penalized.

Again, she emphasized that prices of containers are likely to be increased due to the changes hence the need to sensitize shippers on the IMO 2020 in the region.

The Regional Chairman for Ghana Union of  Traders Association (GUTA) Mr Anthony Oppong admitted that the idea of IMO 2020 is very good especially because it is concerned with health issues and the environment but he appealed to the authorities to ensure minimal cost in order not to impact businesses negatively.

Source: Joana Somiah/rawgist.com